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2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
27
Latest Jul 8, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Powertrain (other)614.6%
  • Brakes614.6%
  • Electrical614.6%
  • Engine512.2%
  • Driver assistance512.2%
  • Airbags37.3%
  • Seat belts37.3%
  • Body & structure37.3%
  • Visibility12.4%
  • Fuel system12.4%
  • Steering12.4%
  • Suspension12.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

After MB performed required "Campaign" #2021070027 related to transmission, CDI, VGS and SCR (emissions controls), transmission now shift erratically and sometimes unpredictably, engine in now running a higher RPMs, oil pressure is higher and fuel economy (as measured by manual calculations) has decreased by not less than 15%. Vehicle was originally taken to MB dealer related to a repeated (3 times) intermittent/unexpected power loss and dash warning. Loss of power could lead to loss of control, especially at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and above noted campaign was applied. Mileage on the vehicle is currently 15000. Events took place between 12k and 14.5k. Degrade of fuel economy as well as other operations degradations took place after a service visit at 14.5k.

NHTSA ID 11480168 · filed Aug 19, 2022

Stranded and required towing due to condensation and EIS Module The 2019+ Mercedes Sprinter EIS (Electronic Ignition System) module is bolted under the driver side dash board to the base of the A pillar where it meets with the firewall. The electrical connector of the module is pointing straight up - this is an issue because any liquids that might spill on the dash (dash cupholder) or any humidity from windshield interior condensation will drip right down the wiring and into the EIS module causing it to short out. _ If the EIS module shorts out, the vehicle will be inoperable until a new unit is fitted. _ The EIS module retails at $1800+ from Mercedes _ Had Mercedes installed the EIS module with the connector facing DOWNWARD - this moisture related issue would not exist. _ There is no drip loop provisions in the wiring. _ Mercedes is aware of the issue as they have created a plastic bag with part number A 638 546 00 35 and they are charging $20 for it. As of right now, Mercedes refuses to fix this issue preventatively. They will only repair it AFTER the EIS module has shorted out. They are refusing to treat this as a warranty claim even though it is clearly a manufacturer defect.

NHTSA ID 11434117 · filed Sep 23, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Function goes off intermittently sometimes for a week at a time Also signals brake problems on dash

NHTSA ID 11566221 · filed Jan 18, 2024

It appears that driver pressed park and pulled the emergency brake. Its possible it wasn't pressed properly and dealer found no mechanical fault. Vehicle rolled forward and impacted another parked vehicle. This may be related to other issues at RemarkableFoods related to transmission being in "Park" or driver intending to put it in "Park". Video is available for review.

NHTSA ID 11428219 · filed Aug 8, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Description of Incident:The electronic ignition module suffered a sudden failure due to unsealed manufacturer water intrusion, leaving the vehicle completely stranded with an immediate safety hazard. Component failed & available for inspection: Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) module / Ignition Control Module. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety risk: The sudden failure causes an immediate safety hazard by leaving the vehicle completely stranded with no way to shift the transmission into neutral to pull it out of harm's way. Confirmed by dealer/independent center: NO, the vehicle has not been towed to a shop yet due to the high cost of repairs. Inspected by manufacturer/police/insurance: NO Warning lamps or symptoms prior: There were no warning messages. The ignition system simply went completely dead without warning.

NHTSA ID 11749207 · filed Jul 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that the passenger seat failed to move forward or backward electrically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the wiring had wrapped around the seat track and fractured. The contact was informed that the failure was common. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000. The consumer requested that their vehicle be added to NHTSA recall 21V-410 and any other applicable recalls.

NHTSA ID 11536565 · filed Aug 4, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V796000 (POWER TRAIN), and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was repaired under recall, and the contact was informed that the knock sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ID 11675885 · filed Jul 24, 2025

At high elevations, at some times soon after a cold start the throttle becomes completely unresponsive. This is not a low power issue due to altitude--even putting the throttle pedal to the floor, the RPMs remain at idle and do not move at all. After I power down and restart, it worked briefly and then again became unresponsive. Once the engine is warm, the problem has not appeared. This put me in an unsafe situation on two occasions: 1) Pulling out of a parking lot onto a 2 lane snow covered highway, the throttle became completely unresponsive while I was sitting across both lanes of traffic, leaving me exposed to a collision. I had to shut off and restart the engine to get moving. Elevation 10,700 feet. 2) In a parking lot, moving to get out of the way of a snowplow. I had to restart the vehicle 5 times before I was able to get out of the snowplow's way. Elevation 9,700.

NHTSA ID 11572799 · filed Feb 19, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Function goes off intermittently sometimes for a week at a time Also signals brake problems on dash

NHTSA ID 11566221 · filed Jan 18, 2024

Stranded and required towing due to condensation and EIS Module The 2019+ Mercedes Sprinter EIS (Electronic Ignition System) module is bolted under the driver side dash board to the base of the A pillar where it meets with the firewall. The electrical connector of the module is pointing straight up - this is an issue because any liquids that might spill on the dash (dash cupholder) or any humidity from windshield interior condensation will drip right down the wiring and into the EIS module causing it to short out. _ If the EIS module shorts out, the vehicle will be inoperable until a new unit is fitted. _ The EIS module retails at $1800+ from Mercedes _ Had Mercedes installed the EIS module with the connector facing DOWNWARD - this moisture related issue would not exist. _ There is no drip loop provisions in the wiring. _ Mercedes is aware of the issue as they have created a plastic bag with part number A 638 546 00 35 and they are charging $20 for it. As of right now, Mercedes refuses to fix this issue preventatively. They will only repair it AFTER the EIS module has shorted out. They are refusing to treat this as a warranty claim even though it is clearly a manufacturer defect.

NHTSA ID 11434117 · filed Sep 23, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Description of Incident:The electronic ignition module suffered a sudden failure due to unsealed manufacturer water intrusion, leaving the vehicle completely stranded with an immediate safety hazard. Component failed & available for inspection: Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) module / Ignition Control Module. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety risk: The sudden failure causes an immediate safety hazard by leaving the vehicle completely stranded with no way to shift the transmission into neutral to pull it out of harm's way. Confirmed by dealer/independent center: NO, the vehicle has not been towed to a shop yet due to the high cost of repairs. Inspected by manufacturer/police/insurance: NO Warning lamps or symptoms prior: There were no warning messages. The ignition system simply went completely dead without warning.

NHTSA ID 11749207 · filed Jul 8, 2026

THE MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP CAN NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM ON TEH "ECALL" OR THE "BRAKE PEDAL BOLT" BOTH WHICH ARE LIFE THREATENING THEY DEALERSHIP ADVICED ME ON CONTACTING YOU?

NHTSA ID 11416307 · filed May 12, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that the passenger seat failed to move forward or backward electrically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the wiring had wrapped around the seat track and fractured. The contact was informed that the failure was common. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000. The consumer requested that their vehicle be added to NHTSA recall 21V-410 and any other applicable recalls.

NHTSA ID 11536565 · filed Aug 4, 2023

THE PASENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BARELY RETRACTS. IT SITS LOOSE. THIS SEEMS TO BE THE CASE WHEN THE SEATBELT IS NOT IN USE.

NHTSA ID 11378317 · filed Dec 7, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side bunk window detached and fell off. The contact stated that the window was a frameless window and was sealed with adhesive. The contact researched and discovered an unknown recall; however, the contact VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 9,100.

NHTSA ID 11586577 · filed May 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the contact was inspecting under the hood of the vehicle. The grommets under the hood detached and the hood fell and struck the contact on the head. The contact sustained bruising on the right arm which did not require medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,400.

NHTSA ID 11420107 · filed Jun 8, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side bunk window detached and fell off. The contact stated that the window was a frameless window and was sealed with adhesive. The contact researched and discovered an unknown recall; however, the contact VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 9,100.

NHTSA ID 11586577 · filed May 2, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

After MB performed required "Campaign" #2021070027 related to transmission, CDI, VGS and SCR (emissions controls), transmission now shift erratically and sometimes unpredictably, engine in now running a higher RPMs, oil pressure is higher and fuel economy (as measured by manual calculations) has decreased by not less than 15%. Vehicle was originally taken to MB dealer related to a repeated (3 times) intermittent/unexpected power loss and dash warning. Loss of power could lead to loss of control, especially at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and above noted campaign was applied. Mileage on the vehicle is currently 15000. Events took place between 12k and 14.5k. Degrade of fuel economy as well as other operations degradations took place after a service visit at 14.5k.

NHTSA ID 11480168 · filed Aug 19, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Description of Incident:The electronic ignition module suffered a sudden failure due to unsealed manufacturer water intrusion, leaving the vehicle completely stranded with an immediate safety hazard. Component failed & available for inspection: Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) module / Ignition Control Module. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety risk: The sudden failure causes an immediate safety hazard by leaving the vehicle completely stranded with no way to shift the transmission into neutral to pull it out of harm's way. Confirmed by dealer/independent center: NO, the vehicle has not been towed to a shop yet due to the high cost of repairs. Inspected by manufacturer/police/insurance: NO Warning lamps or symptoms prior: There were no warning messages. The ignition system simply went completely dead without warning.

NHTSA ID 11749207 · filed Jul 8, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR SWAY BARS MISSING BOLTS ATTACHING THEM TO AXLE AND JUST HANGING LOOSE FROM CHASSIS ON TIFFIN WAYFARER MOTORHOME. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AS IDENTIFIED IN TIFFIN WAYFARER FORUMS REPORTED BY NUMEROUS OWNERS. ALTHOUGH TIFFIN WILL CORRECT IT WHEN OWNERS IDENTIFY IT, TIFFIN POINTS FINGER AT MERCEDES ALTHOUGH THEY ARE FINAL DISPATCH OF VEHICLE TO CUSTOMER AND MERCEDES POINTS FINGER AT TIFFIN SAYING TIFFIN REMOVES THE BOLTS DURING ASSEMBLY BUT IT'S NOT A MERCEDES RECALL ITEM OR NOTED CAMPAIGN FOR THEM OR FOR TIFFIN. I PURCHASED MY 2020 TIFFIN WAYFARER 24TW USED WITH 6000 MILES AND ITEM EXISTED AND COACH LEANED AND ROCKED BACK AND FORTH WHEN CORNERING ON CITY STREETS AND WAS BLOWN AROUND ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN TRUCKS PASSING OR WITH CROSS WINDS BUT ONCE CORRECTED DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED ISSUES. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUES THAT BEARS INVESTIGATION AND CORRECTION. I HAD MINE CORRECTED AT MERCEDES DEALER IN SILVER SPRING MD AND ALTHOUGH THEY RELUCTANTLY COVERED THE COST, THEY SAID MISSING PARTS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.*DT*JB

NHTSA ID 11339507 · filed Jul 15, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .